Bob McCartney

I had a bit of shopping to do this morning.

The old Belmont taste-buds had a craving for that slow-cooked lamb sold in certain stores.

The method of cooking it in a sealed bag is, I gather, known as as sous-vide.

It's ages since I have eaten lamb and, quite frankly, my consumption of red meat has declined.

I enjoy it, however, when it's on the menu.

Whilst ambling past the countless aisles I had the great joy and privilege of encountering none other than Bob McCartney, the retired Ulster barrister and MP for North Down before Lady Hermon.

I don't know whether he recognized me or not, though we greeted each other cordially.

He looked well.

The Visiting Card

A gentleman's or lady's visiting card used to be de rigueur in the past; whereas even today, in the Internet Age, they survive in the form of a business card.

Traditionally, visiting cards have been in differing sizes for men and women and I gather that the classic man's size was 3" x 1½".

They were very simply laid out, with merely the name in the centre, often the address at the bottom left, and one's club to the bottom right.

I happen to think that they still serve a useful purpose.

Cognisant of this I searched the Internet for printers who specialize in such cards; and I discovered Blush Publishing, based in Flintshire.

Nobody in Northern Ireland seems to specialize in the kind of products that Blush sells.

I contacted two in County Down and might I suggest that they have a look at the Blush web pages.

They use heavy cotton paper and the cards are printed using the letterpress method with vintage Heidelberg presses.

I can apprise you that I am delighted with my new visiting cards, which is why I'm expressing my appreciation in this article.

Man about Town

I ventured into central Belfast this morning.

The little grey cells have been chugging away, considering a special gift for my godmother.

Having alighted at Donegall Square North, opposite City Hall, my eyes were drawn to Molton Brown, supplier of toiletries to the royal household.

Their GHQ seems to be at Shaftesbury Avenue in London.

My mission has come to a happy conclusion, having been served by lovely Catherine in the said shop.

As it happens, I wasn't aware that they received a royal warrant in 2013.

Thereafter I darkened the threshold of possibly the longest established optometrists in Belfast, Petticrew's, of Cornmarket, established in 1887.

I was warmly greeted by Andrew Petticrew, who happened to observe my overcoat.

I was wearing a traditional olive covert overcoat, which I bought in 2001.

Andrew remarked that he owned a very similar one.

Andrew Petticrew is one of the most amicable optometrists you're likely to encounter in Belfast.

In fact, I was there to look at reading glasses and I was given a complimentary pair, despite offering to pay.

If you are reading this, Andrew, may I convey my sincere gratitude? They were put to good use within five minutes.

Belfast has its annual Christmas Market in the grounds of City Hall, so I had a brief look before going home.

Mourne Seafood Bar's Lobster Burger

I have to confess that the Mourne Seafood Bar's Lobster Burger sounded tempting at £7.

iPad Review

I purchased a new iPad yesterday. This one has 32GB and Retina display.

Having used an iPad for about four months, I am now in a position to give my verdict: I like them.

These are extraordinary devices: Light; user-friendly; very efficient; very long battery life; almost perfect picture, especially on high definition images; and so on.

The BBC iPlayer function is wonderful, too, because many programmes can be downloaded for viewing literally anywhere without a wi-fi connection.

I watched a recording of Blackadder on a London flight recently, thanks to BBC iPlayer.

ITV Player, alas, does not have a download function, yet; perhaps because it is a commercial station.

The iPad does work satisfactorily enough for writing blogs and articles. The electronic touch-screen keyboard is excellent, to my mind.

However, I have found that editing is not quite as easy as on a full-size computer. It suffices, though, for occasional use, holidays and the like.

Emails are a cinch on the iPad. You can take a good photo at the press of a button, then there are pop-up options for sending it instantaneously to wherever or whomever you so desire.

The "apps" I have on mine include BBC iPlayer; BBC Weather; Facebook; Tripadvisor; Ebay; London Underground route-planner; various digital camera apps and more.

I have not fully explored the Games Section, though one particular game which involves "knocking down" as many imaginary cans from a wall is a great diversion if you have nothing better to do.

The older iPad I used had a "smart cover", viz. Invision Case Cover, black leather. This is cleverly designed so that your iPad can sit at an angle or vertically (to watch movies or television, for instance).

I have purchased two HD movies for my iPad, namely Avatar, and The Life of Pi. Be advised that movies take up a lot of capacity, so that's the main reason why I opted for a 32 GB version.

Another accessory I have is a half-decent pair of headphones by a company called AKG.

Sewing Errand

I paid a visit to Sew In The City, a little unit on the ground floor of the former Anderson & McAuley building. It is at the Castle Street side.

Last week I purchased a navy blazer which actually fits me very well, except for the sleeves which are too long.

The snag is that the cuffs have four metal, functional buttons. Cognisant that any alteration would affect this, I eventually decided to proceed with it.

To my slight annoyance, this will fundamentally affect the functionality of the cuff-buttons, to the extent that two will need to be moved above the remaining two, thus shortening the cuffs by about two inches.

Sleeve length, however, is more important than button functionality, to my mind.

THENCE I ambled up the entire length of Fountain Street, to that pre-eminent civic establishment, the Linenhall Library.

Prior to my arrival at the library, I took the opportunity of photographing Commonwealth House (top), at Castle Street, which is to be demolished to make way for the Bank Buildings' extension.

HEREIN I researched the Whites of White Hall, Broughshane, ancestors of Ulster's most distinguished son, Field-Marshal Sir George White VC.

Being the 225th anniversary of the Library's foundation, I photographed the birthday-cake and balloons.

Picnic Goblets

I happened to be in the vicinity of Holywood Exchange, a retail park near Belfast, this morning.

Popping into the BHS Home store -  which, incidentally, is excellent -  I spotted lots of outdoor and picnic items, viz. acrylic glasses and goblets.

Anybody who has been to Belmont GHQ shall know that there is an abundance of crystal glassware therein.

Notwithstanding this, I was quite taken by the "vintage" acrylic wine goblets and flutes.

A cheese slicer was also required.

Having forgotten to bring my own carrier-bag, I strode over to the two-seater and managed to find one for the purchases.

New Camera

I have been out and about again today. I had morning coffee and a cherry scone at Café Smart, Belmont Road, with my aunt and Pat.
Afterwards, I motored over to Forestside shopping centre, where I purchased a new compact digital camera, viz. a Canon Ixus 510 HS.
It's tiny, though constructed like a military tank. Apparently this little camera is capable of taking close-ups at one centimetre.
This afternoon I spent forty-seven minutes on the rowing-machine (which expended 400 calories).

Royal Brushmakers

Timothy Belmont's new hair (!) brush and shaving-brush arrived yesterday. I ordered them directly from Kent Brushes, Hertfordshire, merely a day ago.

I wish to compliment them, because their service and presentation is second-to-none.

G B Kent & Sons Ltd, manufacturers of brushes since the 18th century, is one of the oldest established companies in the United Kingdom.

Kent Brushes (as they are now more commonly known) was founded in 1777 by William Kent in the reign of GEORGE III.

Kent holds a pre-eminent place in the history of brush making, with an unbroken record of excellence in the quality of its production which has been recognised by the granting of Royal Warrants for nine reigns.

The Kent family continued to run the company for six generations until 1932, when the last of the three Kent brothers passed away.

This is when Mr Eric Cosby, owner of Cosby Brushes Ltd, entered into an association with G.B Kent & Sons. A new chapter was then opened in Kent's long history, and since that time the company has been under the creative and dynamic direction of the Cosby family.

Today, Mr Alan Cosby, grandson to Eric Cosby is the Managing Director and Chairman, with his wife, son and one of his three daughters working for the business.

The company headquarters moved from London to their existing factory in Apsley, Hertfordshire, in 1984, and remains there to this day.

The company continues to retain the craftsmanship and unprecedented quality that is Kent's reputation.

Even in today's fast moving, mass-produced assembly, Kent are proud to still be manufacturing many of their original brushes by hand.

Nevertheless, Kent Brushes is committed to developing and enhancing its products with every step they take.

Kent harness the latest hi-tech manufacturing processes, whilst building on the time-honoured traditional methods to create the world's finest example of each and every brush that leaves their factory.

Shirt Sale

I made a brief sortie into town this morning in the two-wheeler. There was a feisty head-wind en route.

Having spent awhile in the Linenhall Library (I am tempted to write an article about the Herdmans of Sion House), I ambled in to Marks & Spencer, where I bought garlic-bread and a roast chicken breast.

In the menswear department I spotted a number of perfectly good shirts, which were in the sale.

The £5 price sticker proved to be irresistible. Moreover, there was a very good selection of shirts in my size.

I purchased a lilac, cutaway collar, slim-fit, double-cuff, "sartorial" little number, reduced from £39.50 to a fiver.

A "heritage" shirt in pure cotton twill was reduced from £27.50 to £5.

Spending Spree

Timothy Belmont was on a spending spree today. I motored over to Richer Sounds in order to procure a pair of "Premium Foldable Mini Headphones".

These were for my newly-acquired iPad 32gb Retina.

They were in stock, so that was the first purchase.

Since I still had plenty of time left on the parking-ticket, I ventured across the street to the Castle Court shopping-centre.

Passing Laura Ashley's store, I noticed that bright red "Sale" signs proliferated. Ambling in, I bagged one silk cushion, one beaker and one Britannia Doormat, Duck-Egg.

Those readers who happen to be cognizant of my admiration for the late noble Baroness shall be particularly gratified that the acquisition of the said doormat is indeed propitious.

Tyrwhitt Shirts

I ordered a new shirt from Charles Tyrwhitt at the end of last week.

I have several check shirts from Cordings in Piccadilly, though the weakest part of them, in my experience, is the collar, which has a tendency to fray rather easily.

I speak from some experience, since I own shirts by Turnbull & Asser, Aquascutum and Marks & Spencer, to name a few.

On this occasion, I chose a Royal, Chestnut and Burgundy large country check classic shirt from them.

I have quite a few Tyrwhitt shirts in my wardrobe and I like them. I find the cut and quality practically on a par with Cordings, at a fraction of the price.

I took delivery of my new shirt today, at lunchtime ~ a mere few days since I ordered it online. It is up to my expectations.

I think Tyrwhitt's service is exemplary.

Which Game?

Timothy Belmont donned the robust British Warm overcoat with all the other winter paraphernalia, and ventured into Northern Ireland's capital city this morning.

I strode in to the venerable Linenhall Library, where I installed myself opposite a pretty, petite girl who, as it happened, smiled at me when I left.

I researched the Musgrave Baronets of Tourin and the Smyths of Ballynegall.

Afterwards, I made a bee-line for Marks & Spencer, where a few choice groceries were obtained.

Can any readers name the little game bird on the image above. I'm having it for dinner this evening.


FORDE, Northern Ireland justice minister! The royal coat-of-arms, attached at a considerable height (where binoculars are required) to Belfast crown court, Oxford Street, is noticeably faded.

Ignorance or negligence?

Plastic Bag Tax

A plastic bag tax, which will charge customers 5p for every carrier bag supplied to them by retailers, is to be introduced in Northern Ireland.

The regulations were approved by the Northern Ireland Assembly on Monday. They will come into effect on 8 April, 2013.

As far as I am aware, this charge is in line with that of Wales. The Irish Republic charges a levy of 22 cents per bag.

The proceeds of the levy will be forwarded to the NI Department of Environment. The Minister, Alex Attwood MLA, said he hoped to see an 80% reduction in the use of carrier bags as a result of the levy:

 "Recent statistics have shown a significant increase in single use carrier bags handed out by major supermarkets in Northern Ireland, it is the big retailers which I am most interested in. We can reduce the number of carrier bags by at least 80%, this levy helps."

"This is an area where consumers can really help the environment. The image of Northern Ireland as "green & clean" - a major part of the character of our lives and the appeal of this place - can be deepened if we deal decisively with carrier bags and the damage they cause."

The levy also applies to bags made from paper, plant-based material or natural starch.

The regulations also provide for a range of exemptions from the levy on the grounds of hygiene and food safety, the protection of both goods and consumers and confidentiality in respect of prescription medicines.

Hand-Sown Gloves

The old brogues remained shiny and dry today, Timothy Belmont having paid a visit to the optician's for an examination of the right eye again. My left eye has almost perfect vision; so I've asked them to see if they can zap the right one again.

A pretty blonde examined me. Of course, I couldn't help myself and thought of something nice to say to her; so remarked upon her beautiful necklace. My eyes eventually fell down to her left hand and her fourth finger wore a diamond ring. No matter.

I do tend to get dry eyes, though; particularly upon waking from the nocturnal slumber. They gave me some ointment.

I have an appointment with the ophthalmic surgeon in early February.

We shall see.

A new pair of formal black leather gloves was on the shopping-list, so I revisited the House of Fraser, where I saw a good little pair of hand-sown Dent's gloves, at £55; though reduced by 20%.

What a shame that House of Fraser, including their flagship store, Harrod's, was sold to Fayed in 1985; the consequence of which has been that Harrod's is no longer part of the House of Fraser group.

Alas, I mislaid one of my other black leather gloves in the Mad Pierre's automobile one night after a knees-up in town, before Christmas.

Winter Apparel

I motored into town, keeping the roof of the two-seater firmly in place, parked at Royal Avenue, and walked the short distance to Castle Court shopping centre, a place I last visited quite some time ago.

Having refreshed myself with a cup of coffee and a raspberry & almond cake at Costa, I briefly toured Debenham's and a few other retailers, prior to the five-minute walk to Marks & Spencer, at Donegall Place.

Therein I sought a few "bargains", viz. a faux trapper hat, in order to keep the noble scalp heated; a set of white under-vests; a pair of moccasin-style, every-day slippers (I already have two pairs, one of which is made by Church's).

Last, though not least, a pair of black, knitted, thermal gloves (Mad Pierre still has one of my black leather gloves, which I dropped in his jalopy a month ago).

So there you have it. Now I am home, at Belmont GHQ. Christmas has been good, again.

Fulton's Closure

I am saddened to learn of the imminent closure of Fulton's fine furniture retailers in Belfast.

I, personally, shall miss their in-store restaurant, the Hawthorne.

The company, which is best known for its 60,000 sq ft showroom on Belfast's Boucher Road, was placed into administration in July.

The administrators said they had received "a number of serious approaches from interested parties".

However, it said it had not been able to reach a deal.

It was stated that while the business had been trading successfully in administration that could not continue indefinitely without a new owner,

What is described as a "managed wind down" will now take place over the next few months.

The administrators said new orders will be taken until 17 December and all existing orders will be fulfilled.

All floor stock has now been reduced.

Fulton's employs a total of 45 people who can now expect to lose their jobs.

The business began in Lurgan over 50 years ago and there is still a Fulton's shop in the town.

It opened a Belfast operation in 1991 and moved to its new purpose-built premises in 2006.

The furniture and homeware sector in Northern Ireland has suffered in the recession with several local retailers going out of business.

Tanqueray Bargain

Residents and tenants within the exempt jurisdiction of the Earldom of Belmont are advised that the Tesco Metro store, Connswater, is today selling Tanqueray Gin, standard 70ml bottles, at £8 per bottle.

Metro Dearer?

I'm only just beginning to recover from an obnoxious cold which has lasted all week.

I have been taking extra zinc and vitamin C, in the form of soluble tablets and hot, freshly-squeezed lemon drinks with honey.

The signs of improvement include the senses of taste and smell returning gradually.

What rotten luck!


FOR THE BENEFIT of those within the Belmont vicinity and beyond, Tesco's Connswater branch will be reopening on the 19th November, having been rebranded as Tesco Metro.

Tesco Metro stores are generally considered to be more expensive than their larger supermarkets, due to their having a lower proportion of basic foodstuffs compared to their more expensive options.

Prices in Metro stores can be 3-5% higher, I have read.

Shoppers be warned! Expect prices on many, if not most, items to increase at this store.

Motor Insurance

Motorists seeking competitive insurance deals might not be best off with the big-name firms, according to one study, suggests Mike Rutherford in the Daily Telegraph:-

The 10 cheapest insurers:

1. Adelaide Insurance Services (IAM Surety)

2. Frizzell (LV Frizzell)

3. Royal and Sun Alliance

4. Ageas (previously Fortis)

5. RIAS

6. Liverpool Victoria (LV)

7. NFU Mutual

8. Saga

9. Marks & Spencer

10. Swiftcover


The 10 most expensive insurers:

1. Kwik Fit

2. Lloyds TSB

3. Endsleigh

4. Post Office

5. Diamond

6. More Than

7. Elephant

8. Admiral

9. AA

10. Bell Direct (part of Admiral Group)

Sawers' New Premises

The weather remained clement enough during my visit into town this morning. I spent an hour at the Linenhall Library, researching Dunne of Brittas, and Lyons-Montgomery of Belhavel. Mission well accomplished. 

Sawers have got new premises ~ beside the old shop ~ in College Street.

Sawers was established in 1895 and, in 1974, when they were located at the corner of Castle Street and Fountain Street, they described themselves thus: "Fishmongers, Poulterers, Game Dealers, Fruiterers, Provision Merchants and Butchers."

Today, I imagine they'd be happy enough to be termed a delicatessen.

The new shop is far more spacious; a good improvement on the old one.

I wish them well.